As I have some doubt about the readers of The Comrade having any curiosity as to "how I became a Socialist" it may be in order
to say that the subject is the editor's, not my own; and that what is
here offered is at his bidding--my only concern being that he shall
not have cause to wish that I had remained what I was instead of
becoming a Socialist.

On the evening of February 27, 1875, the local lodge of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen was organized at Terre Haute,
Ind., by Joshua A. Leach, then grand master, and I was admitted as
a charter member and at once chosen secretary. "Old Josh Leach,"
as he was affectionately called, a typical locomotive fireman of his
day, was the founder of the brotherhood, and I was instantly attracted by his rugged honesty, simple manner and homely speech.
How well I remember feeling his large, rough hand on my shoulder,
the kindly eye of an elder brother searching my own as he gently
said. "My boy, you're a little young, but I believe you're in earnest
and will make your mark in the brotherhood." Of course, I assured
him that I would do my best. What he really thought at the time
flattered my boyish vanity not a little when I heard of it. He was
attending a meeting at St. Louis some months later, and in the course
of his remarks said: "I put a tow-headed boy in the brotherhood at Terre Haute not long ago, and some day he will be at the head of it."

Twenty-seven years, to a day, have played their pranks with
"Old Josh" and the rest of us. When last we met, not long ago, and
I pressed his good, right hand, I observed that he was crowned with
the frost that never melts; and as I think of him now:

"Remembrance wakes, with all her busy train,
Swells at my breast and turns the past to pain."

My first step was thus taken in organized labor and a new influence fired my ambition and changed the whole current of my career.
I was filled with enthusiasm and my blood fairly leaped in my viens.
Day and night I worked for the brotherhood. To see its watchfires
glow and observe the increase of its sturdy members were the sunshine and shower of my life. To attend the "meeting" was my supreme joy, and for ten years I was not once absent when the faithful
assembled.

At the convention held in Buffalo in 1878 I was chosen associate
editor of the magazine, and in 1880 I became grand secretary and

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